About CAFF and Buy Fresh Buy LocalIn October 2002, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), in partnership with FoodRoutes Network, launched a pilot project to strengthen markets for family farms on the Central Coast of California. The goal of this marketing initiative, called Buy Fresh Buy Local, is to make it easier for residents to find locally grown or raised food, and to encourage them to support our local treasures: farmers’ markets, CSAs, family farms and orchards, and businesses that serve or sell locally grown products.

CAFF believes that Buy Local initiatives can address many of the problems faced by family-owned farms. Buying locally strengthens regional economies, supports family farms, preserves the local landscape, fosters a sense of community, and provides delicious, fresh-from-the-field foods for consumers.

CAFF works with schools, farmers’ markets, retailers, CSAs, caterers, bakers, and restaurants to encourage them to participate in their Buy Fresh Buy Local chapter’s efforts by buying local products.

The Buy Fresh, Buy Local Campaign is a project of CAFF’s Community Food Systems Program. For more information about this program and CAFF’s other work around the state, visit CAFF’s website at www.caff.org.